Summary
A 40-year-old defense contractor, pursuing a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering, was denied a security clearance due to significant financial issues and personal conduct concerns, falling under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct) and F (Financial Considerations). The applicant admitted to multiple overdue debts totaling over $126,000, including child support arrears, and failed to demonstrate responsible financial management or efforts to resolve these obligations.
Specific financial concerns included judgments for unpaid debts ranging from $65 to $9,784, and three separate debts owed to a vehicle company totaling over $26,000. The applicant also confirmed child support arrears, which were initially $141,000 and reduced to $134,800 by the time of the hearing.
Personal conduct issues included termination from employment on May 15, 2001, for unsatisfactory performance, and failure to repay a $25,000 signing bonus, which was subsequently referred to collections. The applicant also admitted to marijuana use between October 2000 and December 2001, and arrests for False Report of Crime in January 2001 and Theft of Personal Property in August 2003. The security clearance was ultimately denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to multiple overdue debts totaling over $126,000, including child support arrears.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate responsible financial management or efforts to resolve debts.
- The applicant's termination from employment for unsatisfactory performance and failure to return a signing bonus indicated questionable judgment.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 16(d)appliedQuestionable Judgment, Untrustworthiness, Unreliability
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 19, 2010
- Answer filedDec 17, 2010
- Hearing heldMar 29, 2011
- Decision dateSep 15, 2011
Cite For
- Denial Based on Significant Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Denial Due to Questionable Judgment and Personal Conduct Under Guideline E
- Failure to Demonstrate Responsible Financial Management and Efforts to Resolve Debts